Hunting Narwhal in Spring and Summer

Hunting is one of the most important land skills in the Arctic, and continues to be an important source of income and food for many people and communities. The Hunter Education Series facilitates the transmission of knowledge regarding proper hunting techniques, safety, and animal behaviour. It will also help to preserve traditional Inuit hunting knowledge and the value of environmental stewardship.
CONTENTS

Introduction .............................. 9

CHAPTER 1

PREPARING FOR THE HUNT ............... .15

Equipment ............................ .16

Hunting Tools....................... .17

Food, Clothing, and Other Basics ...... .19

Emergency Supplies................. 22

Your Rifle ............................. 23

Preparing Your Transportation........... 27

Preparing Your Boat................. 27

Preparing Your Snowmobile .......... .31

Checking the Weather .................. 34

Tides .............................. 36

Dressing Appropriately ................. 38

Preparing for Emergencies .............. 39

Equipment Checklist ................... 42

Summary ............................ . 44

CHAPTER 2

UNDERSTANDING THE ANIMAL ............ 47

Background Information about Narwhals . . 48

How to Locate Narwhals ................ .51

Determining Sex, Health, and Age ........ 52

Summary ............................. 56






CHAPTER 3

HUNTING TECHNIQUES ................... 59

Approaching the Animal ................ 60

Harpooning the Narwhal ................ 63

Shooting the Narwhal .................. 65

Firearm Safety ..................... 66

Traditional Skills ...................... . 68

Summary ............................. 72

CHAPTER 4

AFTER THE HUNT ........................ 75

Skinning and Dressing .................. 76

When to Skin and Dress .............. 76

The Process ........................ 77

Removing the Tusk .................. 79

Uses for the Animal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Summary ............................. 82

Taking Care on the Land,

Taking Care of the Land ................... 85

Photo Credits ............................ 89